The new Skoda Rapid has been launched at Rs 8.35 lakhs (ex-showroom Maharashtra). Essentially a mid-life facelift, the car gets a retuned diesel mill and new appearance. Aimed to be a premium mid-size sedan, with the new Rapid, Skoda is trying in increase its volumes. It’s cousin Vento though still continues with the old 105 PS output (diesel).

Engines:

Powering the car are the same 1.6-litre petrol and 1.5-litre diesel mills. The fuel efficiency has increased for both the options. Details can be found below:

A 1.6 litre MPI four cylinder petrol mill churning out 105 PS of power at 5,250 rpm and 153 Nm of torque peaking in the range of 3,750 to 3,800 rpm. Transmission options include a choice of a 5-speed manual and a 6-speed auto unit. Efficiency figures are claimed to be 15.41 kmpl for the former and 14.84 kmpl for the latter.

The re-tuned 1.5 litre TDI diesel mill producing 110 PS of maximum power at 4,000 rpm and 250 Nm of peak torque in the range of 1,500 to 2,500 rpm. Gearbox choice includes a 5-speed manual returning 21.13 kmpl and a 7 speed DSG. The automatic returns a healthy 21.72 kmpl.

In terms of overall length, the new Rapid is slightly smaller, measuring 4,413 mm (4,386 mm in the older version). The width and height remain the same at 1,699 mm and 1,466 respectively. The ground clearance though has reduced by 5 mm to 163 mm.

Design:

Visually, the new front end gets a butterfly grille, quartz cut projector headlamps with chrome eye-lashes and rectangular fog lamps. Turn indicators are now integrated into ORVMs while the rear bumper has been restyled. The boot lid gains a chrome strip.

Interiors gain a dual tone beige and black paint scheme. It also gains a new 6.5-inch infotainment system with GPS navigation system and MirrorLink. Chrome is in abundance in the interiors as well.